An inquiry has been initiated against fashion designer Maria B at the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA).

 

According to reports, Naeem Butt alias Seema Butt filed an application with the NCCIA, alleging that Maria B spoke against the transgender community on social media. The applicant claimed Maria B propagated against the transgender community on social media and that transgenders were hurt due to her propaganda.

 

The NCCIA has launched an inquiry into the case and summoned Maria B on August 26.

 

The controversy began when Maria B shared clips of a gathering online, condemning the event, claiming minors were present, and describing it as an attempt to normalize values inconsistent with cultural and religious traditions. She also linked the gathering to foreign influence, stating she would continue highlighting such events despite anticipated backlash.

 

Following the videos, police arrested several transgender individuals for organizing what was described as an "objectionable" private gathering. The arrests prompted widespread attention after clips of the event, reportedly showing 50 to 60 participants, circulated on social media.

 

The matter went to a magistrate in Lahore, who dismissed the case, stating the police provided no incriminating evidence. The court observed that no eyewitnesses were present, no statements were recorded, and no proper documentation allowed entry into the private property. The magistrate suggested the defendants were implicated based on "forged and concocted facts" and denied the police’s plea for a 10-day physical remand, releasing all the transgender persons. Their lawyer, Haider Butt, confirmed their release.

 

Conversely, transgender rights advocate Nayyab Ali dismissed the accusations, noting that those in the videos were not affiliated with the rights movement and questioned whether Maria B’s sharing of the clips amounted to dissemination of "fahashi." 

 

Human rights activists and legal experts have expressed concerns that morality laws are ambiguously worded, prone to arbitrary application, and often disproportionately affect marginalized communities.